"They have spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly yes for marriage equality. They voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love," he said.

"And now it is up to us here in the parliament of Australia to get on with it, to get on with the job the Australian people have tasked asked to do and get this done.

"We asked them for their opinion and they have given it to us. It is unequivocal, it is overwhelming. It is our job now to get on with it ... It is fair. The people have voted yes for marriage equality. Now it is our job to deliver it."

Tiernan Brady, the head of the Equality Campaign, the main backers of a Yes outcome, said many No voters were just yet to be persuaded of the merits of same-sex marriage.

"We reach out a hand of friendship to everyone who ticked No and we say this is your country too."